History & Timeline

Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing industry spans more than 60 years. Our roots trace back to 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas. Little did anyone know that these stores would serve as the beginning of Circle K – one of the nation’s leading convenience store chains.

During the early years, Hervey’s enterprising spirit enabled the company to make its mark in the southwestern part of the United States. He grew the Circle K chain into neighboring New Mexico and Arizona, which has been the company’s home base since 1957.

During the next few decades, Circle K grew its retail network through a series of acquisitions, which were incorporated into the Circle K brand. By 1975, there were 1,000 Circle K stores across the US. In 1979, Circle K entered the international market when a licensing agreement established the first Circle K stores in Japan. The company’s growth continued and by 1984 sales had reached $1 billion.

In 1999, a franchise program was introduced to support operators looking to build a business with a leading convenience store brand. Now there are more than 7,000 Circle K sites operating in the US and thirteen other countries.

Circle K has become one of the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known worldwide for quality products and great customer service. We have come a long way since our humble beginnings, and we’re proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Please visit our timeline to learn more about the Circle K story.

1965

Circle K opens its 200th store in Tucson, Arizona.

1975

The 1,000th store is opened on Christmas Day in Lehi, Utah.

1979

Circle K signs its first licensing agreement with a Japanese retail chain.